Dog beach ban is open for feedback
GEELONG residents can now have their say on proposed new dog controls on Bellarine beaches — including “ridiculous” plans to ban dogs from Ocean Grove main beach.
A six-week community consultation period launched on Monday, allowing residents to provide feedback on proposed new dog controls to the area covered by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management (BCCM) — from Breamlea to Collendina. The BCCM’s recommended changes, include a permanent pooch prohibition on Ocean Grove’s main beach, following a high number of reported incidents in the area, including 27 dog attacks in the first six months of 2019.
They also include altering “seasonal” zones to allow dog access to beaches between 8pm and 8am in restricted periods, and creating a “horse zone” along a stretch of beach west of 13th Beach Surf Club.
The proposal was met with mixed reactions in September, with some slamming the beach ban as “ridiculous”, and others blaming dog owners for not properly controlling their pets.
Council documents show the BCCM received 164 reports of noncompliance for dog rules on the region’s beaches in the first six months of 2019.
Community consultation sessions will be held at the Bellarine Training and Community Hub from 10am to 12pm on November 9, and from 4-6pm on November 14. Sessions will also be held at the Barwon Heads Seniors Community Centre from 7-9pm on November 6, and from 8.30-10.30am on November 11.
Residents can have their say online at geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay